Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight

by Peter Atkins, Loretta Jones, Leroy Laverman

5.0/5.0 (1)

Atkins' Chemical Principles (7th edition, but 5th or 6th are also good) is pretty much a one-stop shop for the introductory theory you need to understand chemistry. It requires basic knowledge of integral calculus, although equations involving calculus could be skipped for readers less enthusiastic about math. Atkins' book also offers a very basic intro to chemistry for students who may not have any introduction. The rest of the book progresses through general chemistry in a series of 11 chapters involving an intro to quantum mechanics, molecular theory, materials, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base & redox, kinetics, the elements, coordination chemistry, nuclear chemistry, followed by intro orgo- and biochem. There are examples, as well as problems and exercises at the end of chapters/sections (odd answers in back), more than enough to reinforce concepts. Another feature in the book is that is has various "boxes" that talk about cool applications of chemistry and the principles you've just learned. Atkins' Chemical Principles is more detailed than Zumdahl's Chemistry, another book commonly read by beginner chemistry olympians. However, it isn't much harder to understand and will also introduce you to more advanced concepts.

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Reviews

AnonymousUser

5/5

Atkins' book is quite comprehensive for intro chem theory and definitely covers enough to get 50+ on the USNCO Local Exam accompanied by sufficient practice of past exams. The Orgo covered is quite rudimentary, but I think it's enough to allow you to read Clayden right after. Zumdahl isn't really a necessary book to read before Atkins' book; even if you haven't taken an intro honors chemistry class, the beginning of this book has a primer of sorts to help reinforce basic concepts. Additionally, this book has a few interesting problems (like I recall one introducing overlap integrals and also Coulson's theorem), and the use of calculus is very nice. The cherry on the top is the boxes that appear every so often that introduce cool applications. Other notes: this book gives an intro to MCB (mass-charge balance), MO theory, CFT, LFT, band theory, and materials chemistry, which is quite nice and something you may not find in other intro books. Also, NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH ATKINS' PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY.